Category: Baseball

“You’ve got to strive to be the best. You must believe that you can be the best, regardless of others’ opinions. Only then will you achieve great things”.

Lance Mcfly’s pitching coach was more than just a teammate – he was a mentor; and an inspiration.

“Thanks Jeb” answered Lance. Jeb Stevens had been the pitching coach for the Kaper University Archers for the last 15 years. He, along with manager Irvin Tisdale, led the University baseball team to 7 divisional championships in the last 12 years. Out of those division appearances, the Archers went on to win the championship 5 times. However, they had not been to the division finals in the last 4 years. Continue reading “The Pitcher”

John loved sports. It could not be stated any plainer. Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, you name it – he loved it. He loved playing, he loved watching, and he loved cheering on his favorite teams. He would go to the stadiums in torrential downpours and near blizzards. He would go on scorching hot days when the stadium seats were nearly melting and ice cream did not stand a chance.At home John would turn on his 80 inch Hi-Def. LED TV and “coach” his team by yelling at them what they should do, or should’ve done, or what they’re doing wrong. It made no difference to him that no one could hear him except his dog. Continue reading “Follow Your Dreams”

It was a frigid day in March, the trees were still recovering from the harsh winter and the streets were lined in slowly melting snow. Hank opened the door and stepped outside, wrapped his scarf tightly around his neck. It was the first day of spring training for the Titans, Hank’s high school baseball team. Man, it is just too cold for this, he thought to himself. It was Hank’s final year at Rock Hill High and he was starting to question whether he had his priorities straight. Baseball took up a lot of his time and since he was looking to head to college straight out of high school and not on a scholarship, he needed to reevaluate the importance of baseball in his life. Continue reading “Choices”

She was amazed at her own stamina. Finally pulling into the ninth inning, she had nearly pitched a no-hitter, the first of the season, when a larger girl from the visiting team hit one out of the park. The score was now tied at one run each, and there was already one out on the board. The worst that could happen now was extra innings, and Kimberly Agin was ready for it. Still, if they could get her long time friend, Sara, a beautiful Irish girl, home from second base, it was all over. Continue reading “Redirection”

I’m on the mound. Pretty tired. It’s the bottom of the eighth inning and we’re up by one run. Runners on first and second. Two out. All I need is one more out. The runner on first has a small lead but I throw over there anyway. I’m stalling for time. Continue reading “The Scientific Principles Of The Curveball”

My cousins are idiots. We have always had a rivalry between us but it became more intense when I moved to the other side of town. They both go to North High and I go to Westside. Continue reading “Cousins”

My reputation precedes me. People know what I have done even before they know me. I am not a superstar nor am I a great player. I am a good player who happened to do a great thing. Continue reading “Everyday Hero”

Benjamin Bennett was celebrating his 22nd birthday the same day of the Major League Baseball draft. A few days earlier his agent had called him and informed him that he was “ninety nine percent sure” Ben would be drafted in the top ten, top five probably, he had said. Continue reading “Coming Back From The Bottom”